For Jack McDonald, as for other Ledgerland sports stars, national signing day was a big sigh of relief.

But not because the reigning Catholic Conference Offensive Lineman of the Year ever wavered in his decision to take his talents and 6-5, 285-pound frame from BC High to the University of Virginia next season.

“As a kid, I wanted to play there,” the Quincy resident said, adding that he was undeterred by the Cavaliers’ disappointing 2012 campaign (4-8, 2-6 ACC) that was marred by changes in the coaching staff.

Now that his National Letter of Intent is signed, sealed and on its way to the Old Dominion, McDonald said he can finally get excited and focus on his future as a part of a prominent Div. 1 program.

“It’s been a long process, going on since my sophomore year, so it just feels good to be over with now and know where I’m going and that I’m going to a place where I want to spend the next four or five years,” McDonald said at a signing ceremony in the BC High library Wednesday.

McDonald’s career as an Eagle ran the gamut. As a junior, he helped lead BC High to an EMass Div. 1 Super Bowl title in 2011 while playing for coach Jon Bartlett, who then stepped down to focus on his AD/teaching duties. As a senior, McDonald kept the Eagles’ spirits high through a 4-6 campaign riddled with injuries, including his own turf-toe problem.

“Coach Bartlett and (current) coach (Joe) Gaff always taught us to play hard-nosed football and to always work hard and look out for your teammates, no matter what,” McDonald said.

McDonald said he expects Virginia to fully bounce back and make a run at the ACC title during his tenure.

“The players all have the same goal in mind: to win an ACC championship. And they’re all ready to do what it takes to accomplish that goal,” he said. “Those are the types of guys I want to surround myself with.”

All that said, McDonald’s main criterion in selecting Virginia was its academic pedigree. Still, the honor student admitted, it doesn’t hurt that the program could serve as a launching pad to the NFL.

“If I’m lucky enough to make it to the NFL, I just want them to help me and just improve my all-around game,” McDonald said. “Hopefully if everything works out and I can stay healthy, I would love to make it to the NFL one day. That’s the ultimate goal.

“But I’m all focused on Virginia right now and playing down there. I have all the confidence that this program will take off and I’m really excited about the future.”

Page 2 of 3 - In other National Letter of Intent news:

CONWAY HEADED TO BU

Norwell’s Bridget Conway is taking her big-game knack to the Boston University women’s soccer team.

A three-year starter in goal, Conway led the Clippers to three straight Div. 3 South Sectional title games and a spot in the Div. 3 state semifinals as a senior. As a freshman field player she led Norwell in scoring.

“She’s obviously a tremendous athlete, but she is also a very focused and driven athlete,” said Norwell coach Kara Connerty. “Her leadership and determination will be a huge asset to that program.”

Now that the “long” and “dragging” process of being recruited is over with, Conway is looking forward to focusing on her future with the Div. 1 Terriers program.

“It’s definitely a big sigh of relief,” said Conway. “Signing made it very special – it’s the final piece of the puzzle. I can’t wait to bring my energy and positivity to the girls there and keep building toward the future.”

KICK START

Plymouth South girls soccer coach Dave Costa predicts Olivia Parsons will be a “huge asset” for Southern New Hampshire. She scored seven goals as a senior this fall, splitting time between sweeper and central midfield.

“If she wasn’t on the team, I don’t know how successful we would have been,” Costa said. “She’s the backbone of our team. She’s done everything for this program at Plymouth South.”

TIGERS ROAR

It was an eventful day at Thayer Academy.

In addition to two soccer stars – Robert Schallmo and Harrison Balder, who both signed on to play at Northeastern – the Tigers celebrated the commitments of football standouts Aaron Gilmer (Bryant University) and Ikenna Nwokeji (Elon, N.C.).

Gilmer, a versatile cornerback/running back, will look to bring his work ethic and athleticism to the Bulldogs’ secondary in Smithfield, R.I.

Nwokeji, a 6-6, 250-pound defensive end from Randolph “still has a lot of growing to do,” according to Thayer coach Jeff Toussaint. Nwokeji may see time as a defensive tackle as he continues to bulk up.

“Both these guys have dedicated themselves to becoming the best players they can be,” said Toussaint. “They’ve maximized their potential.”